Abstract/Summary

This report reviews the available information concerning translocations, as background for a future policy statement to be drawn up by the statutory UK conservation agencies (the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Countryside Council for Wales and the Department of the Environment, Northern Ireland).
Translocations of species for conservation reasons in the UK include reintroduction, population supplementation, sowing and planting for habitat restoration, and relocation of populations and of species assemblages.
Non-conservation translocations for commercial, amenity and aesthetic reasons are carried out using native and non-native species, and genetically modified organisms.
Precise definitions of the different types of translocation are given, as well as other important terms used in the review.
Four subject areas are covered in separate chapters: species native to the UK, species not native to the UK, genetically modified organisms, and species assemblages. The types of translocations carried out within the subject area are reviewed and representative case studies are presented.
A set of definitions of genetic, species and ecosystem biodiversity are determined, and are used as a framework with which to assess the environmental effects of each type of translocation.
For all types of translocation, the adverse effects on biodiversity are assessed using the case studies. For conservation translocations, the factors affecting the success and benefits of the translocation are determined as well.
Existing policies and guidelines of UK and international organisations relating to each type of translocation are summarised and assessed in the light of the reviews of case studies.
UK and European legislation and international conventions relevant to translocations in the UK are also summarised and possible improvements are suggested which would allow better regulation and the amelioration of adverse effects on biodiversity.
While certain types of translocation are well regulated in the UK (e.g. GMO release, release of non-resident alien animals), others poorly covered by legislative controls are translocation of most native species, release of most alien plants or animals resident in the UK and control of problem alien species.
Some areas require a revision or coordination of the approach to the regulatory process: GMO releases, translocation of species assemblages, release of non-native species.
Areas requiring further research are highlighted, and these illustrate a need for more coordinated and structured monitoring and databasing of current and future translocations.
A major aspect of any translocation must be consideration of the maximum benefit to biodiversity and/or the minimum risk of adverse impacts. It is recommended that project planning and risk and 'benefits' assessment procedures should be carried out before any translocation takes place.
It is recommended that the formulation of new policy and guidelines by the statutory conservation agencies should involve other UK and international organisations involved in carrying out, advising on, or licensing translocations.